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AlbertaNov 07, 2025

Alberta teachers launch court challenge over government’s use of notwithstanding clause to end strike

The Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) has taken legal action against Premier Danielle Smith’s government, arguing that the recent law used to end their provincewide strike violates the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. ATA President Jason Schilling said the association has filed a court application asking a judge to suspend the law while a full constitutional challenge proceeds. Schilling called the government’s reliance on the Charter’s notwithstanding clause “unconstitutional” and said it undermines the role of the courts in protecting fundamental rights. The law in ques
city-of-surrey-seeking-feedback-asks-residents-to-share-what-matters
BCNov 06, 2025

City of Surrey seeking feedback, asks residents to share what matters

City of Surrey is asking people to share feedback and tell the city what matters. City of Surrey says, "As a Surrey resident, your input plays an important role in shaping the City’s 2026 budget priorities. Share your thoughts by completing our online survey or visit one of our open houses to learn more about the budget process, ask questions and provide feedback." Find full details on City of Surrey's website: https://engage.surrey.ca/budge...
blue-jays-playoff-run-drives-tourism-surge-and-business-gains-in-toronto
BCNov 06, 2025

Blue Jays’ playoff run drives tourism surge and business gains in Toronto

Toronto’s hospitality and tourism sectors saw a significant boost this fall, thanks to the Blue Jays’ extended post-season run and the World Series games held in the city. Destination Toronto reported that hotel demand during the four home games of the World Series rose by an average of 15 per cent compared to the same nights last year, adding more than 11,000 room nights. Across the team’s entire playoff run, hotel demand increased by an average of 11 per cent, accounting for over 20,000 additional room nights. Andrew Weir, President and CEO of Destination Toronto, said the surge in vis
BCNov 06, 2025

Audit finds gaps in B.C. livestock tracking system used for emergency response

British Columbia’s Ministry of Agriculture and Food needs stronger measures to ensure it can quickly locate farm animals during disease outbreaks or natural disasters, according to a new report from the Office of the Auditor General. The audit reviewed the ministry’s Premises ID program, which was created to help emergency officials identify where poultry and livestock are kept and who owns them. Acting Auditor General Sheila Dodds said the system could play a vital role in protecting animals and food supply chains during crises such as bird flu outbreaks, wildfires, or floods. However, th
record-number-of-shelter-spaces-opening-before-winter
BCNov 06, 2025

Record number of shelter spaces opening before winter

British Columbia is opening a record number of shelter spaces this winter to help people experiencing homelessness find warmth and safety as temperatures drop. The Province, through BC Housing, is funding 6,486 shelter spaces across 58 communities — the highest total to date. The expanded network includes 4,158 permanent shelters operating year-round, 1,154 temporary seasonal spaces, 771 extreme-weather response (EWR) beds activated during severe conditions, and 403 new Homeless Encampment Action Response Temporary Housing (HEARTH) spaces — nearly two and a half times more than last year.
CanadaNov 06, 2025

Ottawa man pleads guilty in mass stabbing that killed mother, four children, and family friend

A 20-year-old man has pleaded guilty to six counts of murder and one count of attempted murder in connection with a mass stabbing that shocked Ottawa last year. Febrio De-Zoysa entered guilty pleas today in an Ottawa courtroom to four charges of first-degree murder and two of second-degree murder, as well as one charge of attempted murder. The killings took place in 2024 at a rented townhouse in the Barrhaven area. The victims were 35-year-old Darshani Ekanayake, her four children aged between two months and seven years, and 40-year-old family friend Gamini Amarakoon. The children’s father,
quebec-lowers-permanent-immigration-target-to-45-000-per-year-focuses-on-french-language-integration
CanadaNov 06, 2025

Quebec lowers permanent immigration target to 45,000 per year, focuses on French-language integration

The Quebec government has announced it will reduce its annual target for new permanent residents to 45,000, marking a significant shift from the roughly 61,000 people expected to settle in the province this year. The revised plan outlines a more moderate approach than earlier proposals that would have lowered the figure to as few as 25,000 newcomers annually. The government’s new immigration framework emphasizes language integration, setting a goal for nearly 80 per cent of new immigrants to achieve at least intermediate-level French by 2029. In 2019, that figure was 50 per cent. Officials s
nearly-8-000-speeding-tickets-issued-in-october-as-bc-highway-patrol-urges-drivers-to-slow-down
BCNov 06, 2025

Nearly 8,000 speeding tickets issued in October as BC Highway Patrol urges drivers to slow down

BC Highway Patrol officers issued close to 8,000 speeding tickets across the province in October, highlighting ongoing concerns about driver behaviour as winter conditions set in. The enforcement effort was part of the Drive Relative to Conditions and Pedestrian Awareness campaign, aimed at encouraging motorists to adjust their driving for changing weather and visibility. According to BC Highway Patrol data, the highest number of tickets were issued in the South Coast region, including Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley, where 2,167 drivers were cited. Vancouver Island followed with 1,598 t
surrey-police-urge-vigilance-as-distraction-thefts-target-seniors-during-safety-week
CanadaNov 06, 2025

Surrey police urge vigilance as distraction thefts target seniors during Safety Week

The Surrey Police Service and the City of Surrey are reminding residents to stay alert as reports of distraction thefts continue to target seniors across the city. The awareness campaign coincides with National Seniors Safety Week, running from November 6 to 12, and focuses on helping older residents recognize and prevent these crimes. Police say 54 distraction thefts have been reported in Surrey so far this year, with many victims being seniors. Investigators note that suspects often approach their targets under friendly pretenses, such as asking for directions, complimenting jewellery, or of

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AlbertaApr 13, 2026

Alberta court pauses referendum petition process tied to separation effort

An Alberta court has ordered a temporary halt to key steps in a citizen-led petition campaign seeking to advance a referendum on the province separating from Canada. In a written decision released Friday, Justice Shaina Leonard said petition organizers may continue collecting signatures. However, Elections Alberta is barred from verifying those signatures or forwarding the matter to Premier Danielle Smith’s government while the case is under review. According to the court decision, the pause follows a legal challenge filed by several First Nations. Their lawyers argue that Alberta’s citize
voters-cast-ballots-in-three-byelections-that-could-give-liberals-majority-in-house
CanadaApr 13, 2026

Voters cast ballots in three byelections that could give Liberals majority in House

Voters are heading to the polls in three federal byelections today that are expected to determine whether the governing Liberals secure a majority in the House of Commons. Two of the ridings are long-held Liberal seats in the Toronto area, while a third contest in Terrebonne, Que., is considered competitive between the Bloc Québécois and the Liberals. The Quebec riding is being closely watched as it could decide whether the government crosses the majority threshold. According to Elections Canada, the byelections were called to fill vacancies left by former Liberal MPs Bill Blair and Chrystia
kamala-harris-says-she-is-considering-a-2028-presidential-run
WorldApr 10, 2026

Kamala Harris says she is considering a 2028 presidential run

Former U.S. vice-president Kamala Harris says she is considering a bid for the presidency in 2028, according to recent public remarks made during appearances tied to her national book tour. Harris, who was the Democratic Party’s presidential nominee in the 2024 election, said she is weighing her next political steps amid what she described as ongoing challenges facing the country. She noted that “a lot of work” remains to be done and that current conditions are not working for many Americans. The comments come as Harris travels across the United States following the release of her 2025 c
carney-says-next-governor-general-will-be-bilingual-in-english-and-french
CanadaApr 10, 2026

Carney says next governor general will be bilingual in English and French

Prime Minister Mark Carney says Canada’s next governor general will speak both of the country’s official languages, committing to a bilingual appointment when the current term ends. Carney responded “absolutely” when asked by host Patrick Masbourian whether he would ensure the next candidate is fluent in both English and French. According to the broadcaster, Carney did not provide details on potential candidates. The current governor general, Mary Simon, speaks English and Inuktitut but has faced criticism for not being fluent in French. Her 2021 appointment drew more than 1,300 compl
vancouver-police-seek-witnesses-after-fairview-hit-and-run-leaves-pedestrian-seriously-injured
BCApr 10, 2026

Vancouver police seek witnesses after Fairview hit-and-run leaves pedestrian seriously injured

Vancouver police are asking for witnesses and dash-cam footage following a hit-and-run collision in the city’s Fairview neighbourhood that left a pedestrian with serious injuries. According to a Vancouver Police Department release, a 68-year-old man was crossing at Oak Street and West 6th Avenue shortly after 9:15 a.m. on April 8 when he was struck by a white GMC Yukon, believed to be a 2007 to 2014 model. The driver did not remain at the scene and was last seen travelling southbound on Oak Street through West 7th Avenue toward West Broadway. Police say the man was taken to hospital with lif